tennessee student assistance corporation · 2019-08-07 · chairman smith thanked the staff for the...

Board of Directors Meeting18th Floor, Parkway Towers

Nashville, TN

May 18, 2017

Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation

A G E N D A


THEC Board Room

Nashville, Tennessee

Thursday, May 18, 2017

1:00 p.m. CDT

Adoption of Agenda

Approval of Minutes of the September 27, 2016 Board Meeting

Chairman’s Report

Executive Director’s Report

TASFAA President’s Report

I. Decision Items

A. Selection of 2017-18 Officers and Committee Members

B. Revised Open Records Policy

II. Discussion Items

A. Tennessee Promise Scholarship

B. Tennessee Reconnect Grant

C. Student and School Servicing

D. Communication Services

E. Operating Fund

F. Budget and Legislative

III. Other Business

1

TSAC Board Meeting – September 27, 2016

Stephen Smith welcomed everyone to the meeting and called the meeting to order.

ROLL CALL

The following board members/alternate representatives were present:

Dr. Gary Adcox

Ms. Shiri Anderson, representing Comptroller Wilson

Mr. Stephen Smith, representing Governor Bill Haslam

Mr. Mike Krause

Dr. Katie High, via conference call

Mr. Andy McArthur, representing David Lillard

Ms. Keri McInnis

Dr. Danielle Mezera, representing Commissioner McQueen

Dr. Claude Pressnell

Greg Turner, representing Commissioner Martin

Dr. Leming, representing TBR Chancellor David Gregory

Ms. Karen Hauser

Mr. Garrett Wilson

Ms. Hayes

ADOPTION OF AGENDA

Mr. Smith called for a motion to adopt the agenda. Motion was made and seconded. The

motion was duly adopted by the following roll call vote:

Name Aye No Abstain

Dr. Adcox x

Ms. Anderson o

Mr. Smith x

Mr. Krause x

Dr. Gray,Jr o

Mr. Hughes o

Dr. High *

Mr. McArthur x

Ms. Mcinnis x

Dr. Mezera x

Dr. Pressnell x

Greg Turner x

Dr. Leming x

Ms. Hauser x

Mr. Smarrelli o

2

Mr. Wilson x

*Not present at the time of vote. 10 ayes and the motion was passed.

ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES FOR THE APRIL 29, 2016 MEETING

Mr. Smith called for a motion to adopt the minutes from the April 29th meeting. A motion

was called and seconded.

Name Aye No Abstain

Dr. Adcox x

Ms. Anderson o

Mr. Smith x

Mr. Krause x

Dr. Gray o

Mr. Hughes o

Dr. High *

Mr. McArthur x

Ms. Mcinnis x

Dr. Mezera x

Dr. Pressnell x

Greg Turner x

Dr. Leming x

Ms. Hauser x

Mr. Smarrelli o

Mr. Wilson x

*Not present at the time of vote

There were 11 ayes and the motion was passed.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Chairman Smith looks forward to working with each of you and the governor is

appreciative of your service on this board. Chairman Smith thanked the staff for

the tremendous work you do for the students every day to help navigate this

financial path and focus on getting their education.

James Snider gives Promise Update and results of year one. 1) Fall enrollment was

16,291 students. 2) Fall to spring retention of eligibility was 10,917 students. 3) Fall

to Fall retention of eligibility estimate- 7, 821 students, pending Fall certification of

eligibility. 4) Total cost of year one was $15,221,522.70. The average award per

student is $934.35. Mr. Snider then showed year two preliminary results. He

reported revenues and expenditures.

3

Mike Krause gave the Executive’s Report with 3 points: 1) he has enjoyed meeting

the TSAC team 2) he is trying to make the agencies seamless 3) there is a new logo

and it was free! TSAC’s core vision is increasing the number of Tennesseans with a

college degree which means it is about students. TSAC is a student focused group

of people, talking to students and parents every day. He is proud to be a part of the

team. He asked the board to continue discussion for adult education.

Tim Phelps gave the eGRandS update. This in-house system administers all grants

and scholarships. NGS will continue to serve on a need to basis until the end of

year. Mr. Phelps reported that it has been a great transition.

Karen Houser gave the TASFAA President’s Report. She shared the TASFAA goals

for 2016-17 that include continued training for their members through fall

workshops and the annual spring conference, renew or eliminate the TASFAA

Advisory Committee to TSAC, support the TSAC financial aid outreach efforts, and

make the first official TASFAA visit to the TN State Capitol during the 2017

Legislative session to support financial aid as a collective organization.

I. Decision Items

A. Adoption of Rules-Tennessee Promise Scholarship

Tim Phelps announced the few changes: eliminated the Aug 1 verification of

information that is reported on the FAFSA, moved the community service dates,

removed mandatory attendance for first meeting and all to use “Assembly” days

for meeting, removed transfer requirement, adjusted FAFSA deadline, and

eliminated the renewal application. Mr. Krause agreed with all changes and

reiterated that this is a learning process. Every rule discussed goes back to

students and makes sure the program is more accessible.

Chairman Smith called for a motion to approve the TN Promise scholarship

amended rules and it was seconded.

Name Aye No Abstain

Dr. Adcox x

Ms. Anderson o

Mr. Smith x

Mr. Krause x

Dr. Gray,Jr o

Mr. Hughes o

Dr. High x

Mr. McArthur x

4

Ms. Mcinnis x

Dr. Mezera x

Dr. Pressnell x

Greg Turner x

Dr. Leming x

Ms. Hauser x

Mr. Smarrelli o

Mr. Wilson x

Ms. Hauser x


B. Adoption of Rules –Ned McWherter Scholars Program

Mr. Phelps reported on changes of the McWherter Scholarship program rules.

Changes: 1) Modified the rules to align more with the Hope, 2) provide a regain

provision in case the student loses the award 3) include language that prohibits the

institutions from including the work requirement in the matching funds, and

lowered the renewal GPA. A motion was made to approve rule changes on the

McWherter Scholarships and it was seconded.

Name Aye No Abstain

Dr. Adcox x

Ms. Anderson o

Mr. Smith x

Mr. Krause x

Dr. Gray,Jr o

Mr. Hughes o

Dr. High x

Mr. McArthur x

Ms. McInnis x

Dr. Mezera x

Dr. Pressnell x

Greg Turner x

Dr. Leming x

Ms. Hauser x

Mr. Smarrelli o

Mr. Wilson x

Ms. Hayes x


5

C. TSAA Over-commitment

Chairman Smith asked Tim Phelps to give a report on the TSAA over-commitment

ration for 2017-18. Chart is on the 2nd page of report for exact expenditures and

balance. 1st recommendation is to have 153% over-commitment, which is the

same ratio that was approved for the past 5 years. $80 million was awarded for the

2016-17 academic year. 2nd recommendation is to allot 1.3 million from the reserve

to use for awards. Dr. Pressnell commented that the chart was a good

visualization. He was very pleased with the report. He is pleased that so many

students are funded.

A motion was made to adopt the recommendations and it was seconded.

Name Aye No Abstain

Dr. Adcox x

Ms. Anderson o

Mr. Smith x

Mr. Krause x

Dr. Gray,Jr o

Mr. Hughes o

Dr. High x

Mr. McArthur x

Ms. Mcinnis x

Dr. Mezera x

Dr. Pressnell x

Greg Turner x

Dr. Leming x

Ms. Hauser x

Mr. Smarrelli o

Mr. Wilson x

Ms. Hayes x


D. Proposed Budget Request for 2016-17

Chairman Smith asked Peter Abernathy to report the budget request for 2016-17. F

and A has asked for a reduction of 2% of the state appropriations and this report

reflects that request. One increase is the continuation with the TSAA program.

There are 75,000-80,000 students eligible for the TSAA but can’t all be funded. The

6

goal is to fund them over a 5 year period. Mr. Abernathy is requesting an $18.1

million to fund an extra 58,000 students.

A motion was made and seconded to vote on the budget recommendation.

Name Aye No Abstain

Dr. Adcox x

Ms. Anderson o

Mr. Smith x

Mr. Krause x

Dr. Gray,Jr o

Mr. Hughes o

Dr. High x

Mr. McArthur x

Ms. Mcinnis x

Dr. Mezera x

Dr. Pressnell x

Greg Turner x

Dr. Leming x

Ms. Hauser x

Mr. Smarrelli o

Mr. Wilson x

Ms. Hayes x

There were 11 ayes and 2 abstentions from Mr. Smith and Mr. Turner. The motion

was passed.

E. Preliminary Uses of Operating Fund

Next on the agenda was a report from Peter Abernathy on the Preliminary uses of

the Operating Fund. The federal loan program has generated excess funds that

can be used by the guaranteed agencies. The fund has grown to roughly $80

million and with the Board’s approval, $50 million was transferred for the initial

endowment for the TN Promise. Since closing the federal loan program, TSAC has

$22 million in the operating fund. That has been designated by the US Department

of Education that that money is property of TSAC and that money by can be spent

on a variety of financial aid related functions. There is a wide array of items and

how this money could be utilized. TSAC is in discussions with Finance on how to

spend the money, possibly transferring $15 million to generate additional funds for

the McWherter Scholars program. There is some room for appropriation increase,

so it is not spent out of the operating fund. Maybe some items are not negotiable.

7

Mr. Abernathy suggested we do not take a vote on this. Dr. Pressnell was glad

there was not a vote. He was encouraged with the money going towards

McWherter Scholars program. Fall diversion piece is new and important. Very

important for institutions that are small to medium that don’t have the resources

like the larger schools have. He is concerned that $2 million is not enough for this

program. TSAC will have a better look at the situation this spring. Ms. Hayes asked

that the $1 million dollars in operating expenses for a year are just close out

expenses. Mr. Abernathy agreed. Postpone decision on 1E.

F. Audit Committee Appointment

Mike Krause reported on the audit committee appointment. Mike welcomed and

thanked Ms. Hayes who brings a career of higher education. A motion was made

and seconded.

Name Aye No Abstain

Dr. Adcox x

Ms. Anderson o

Mr. Smith x

Mr. Krause x

Dr. Gray,Jr o

Mr. Hughes o

Dr. High x

Mr. McArthur x

Ms. Mcinnis x

Dr. Mezera x

Dr. Pressnell x

Greg Turner x

Dr. Leming x

Ms. Hauser x

Mr. Smarrelli o

Mr. Wilson x

Ms. Hayes x


Discussion items update:

A.

Jane Pennington reported on the loan division that has a new name, Student and

School Services Division. Jane recognized her staff. The portfolio has transferred to

8

EMDC and she feels the students are in good hands. The number one focus is

default management. To help keep those default rates down low as it has

traditionally been. They need contracts with school to get access to their records.

They welcome this and are looking forward to working with Jane’s team.

The second focus for this department is school services in training and financial aid

for their students.

Next, Jane discussed the license review program which has produced a recovery of

$92 million of default student loan funds. This is a great opportunity to get

students back on the right path and to correct payment on their loans so their

credit report gets cleaned up.

Next she reported on the TN Reconnect, a program that reaches out to students

who started school but did not complete their program. THEC has put forth an

effort to work with schools and students to assist them to come back to school.

Many of the students have defaulted on their school loans and can’t return to

school and be eligible for the federal or state funds until it is resolved. Our staff is

reaching out to schools to assist students with their loans. This is an ongoing

program.

Jane’s division also works with Scholarships to loans and this is run through the

license review program.

B.

Tim Phelps-Grant and Scholarship programs update:

In the 2015-16 Fiscal year, over $320 million was dispersed and divided between

120,000 students. This includes the TN Promise and Community College Reconnect

programs. The participation in the dual enrollment grant continues to increase.

The dual enrollment program grew by 3,000 students and $3 million. Awarding

scheduled was changed and continue to see growth. Mike explained the awarding

schedule and dual enrollment has increased due to the changes from 2 free

courses. This was approved by this Board and was very successful and Mike

thanked the board.

For state grant and scholarship programs, $82 million was paid out to 46,000

students. Highlight is the 30% increase in recipients in dollars for TSAA program

from one year to the next. Funds were released to the community colleges for the

Community College Reconnect program. Awards are being made to students and

progress reports will be out in October/December. Dr. Pressnell had an

9

observation of the impact of the decisions the board has made. The decision was

made to move the traditional scholarship at community colleges from $2,000 to

$3,000 per academic cycle. At 4 year institutions, it was reduced $500 in the

freshman and sophomore. There has been a $24 million increase to the

community colleges and the shift of funds. He noted that the board needs to pay

attention to adults students.

C.

Diane LeJeune provided an update on communications services. The outreach

team has continued to make presentations across the state, focusing on college

fairs in the fall and working with middle schools in the spring. She reviewed the

communications snapshot which outlines the total number of individuals impacted

by the outreach team, delivery locations, metrics from across three departments,

and annual comparisons. TN Promise workshops tripled compared to the previous

year. The call center maintains volume statistics for emails and live chats. FAFSA

Frenzy, in partnership with THEC and DOE, will run from October 1 through January

17, 2017 to reach a greater number of students and increase FAFSA completions for

the state. Included materials show FAFSA completion data for TN by county as

prepared for legislators. Scholarship Saturday includes all TCATS and community

colleges and the call center will be open to help students reset logins or passwords

to access the TSAC portal prior to the November 1 deadline.

Communication Services is beginning two new initiatives. TSAC is partnering with

THEC to create an online video channel for financial aid content for high school

counselors, parents, and students. In addition, they are working with state

undergraduate and graduate school counseling programs to deliver financial aid

content, beginning with MTSU.

Diane identified materials mapping outreach staff representation, social media

links, a new TSAC brochure, and a new brochure created by ECMC for distribution

during FAFSA Frenzy.

D.

Mike introduced Ann and gave budget updates. He reminded everyone to please

complete the conflict of interest forms and return to Peter Abernathy.

10

Chairman Smith thanked everyone again for coming to the meeting and the

meeting was adjourned.


Thursday May 18, 2017

Decision Item A: Selection of 2017-18 Officers and Committee

Members

Staff Recommendation: That the board elects its 2017-18 officers and

committee members.

Background: TSAC bylaws state that the corporation’s officers

shall consist of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman,

Secretary, and Treasurer; each elected by the

directors of the corporation from among their own

number. The term of office is one year.

The bylaws authorize the Chairman to appoint

board committees. In practice, the Chairman brings

committee appointments to the full board.

Following today’s report from the chairman, 2017-18

officers and committee members will be selected.

Below is a list of current (2016-17) officers and

committee members.

Supporting Document: Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation: 2016-17

Officers and Committees


2016-17 Officers and Committees

Officers

Governor Bill Haslam, Chairman

Mike Krause, Vice Chair

David Lillard, Treasurer

Claude Pressnell, Secretary

Executive Committee

Governor Bill Haslam, Chairman

Mike Krause

David Lillard

Larry Martin

Claude Pressnell

Justin Wilson

Appeals Committee

David Gregory, Chair

Gary Adcox

Mike Krause

Joe DiPietro

Justin Wilson

Audit Committee

Claude Pressnell, Chairman

Larry Martin

Sharon Hayes



Decision Item B: Revised Open Records Policy

Staff Recommendation: Adopt the revised Open Records Policy.

Background: The board adopted an Open Records Policy in

September 2011, which mirrored the Tennessee

Comptroller’s model policy. This revised policy

makes several minor changes to be consistent

with the Tennessee Higher Education

Commission’s recently adopted policy. Major

elements of the policy include the following:

The process for making requests to inspect

public records or to receive copies of public

records;

Agency guidelines for responding to such

requests;

Responsibilities of the agency records

custodian;

The process for requesting to inspect or copy

records; and

Whether and when fees will be charged for

copies of public records.

Supporting Document: Public Records Policy, May 2017

TSAC Public Records Policy Page 1

Pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-503(g), the following Public Records Policy for

the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (“TSAC”) is hereby adopted by TSAC

to provide economical and efficient access to public records as provided under the

Tennessee Public Records Act (“TPRA”) in Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-501, et seq.

The TPRA provides that all state, county, and municipal records shall at all times

during business hours be open for personal inspection by any citizen of this state,

and those in charge of the records shall not refuse such right of inspection to any

citizen, unless otherwise provided by state law. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-

503(a)(2)(A). Accordingly, the public records of TSAC are presumed to be open for

inspection unless otherwise provided by law.

Employees of TSAC shall timely and efficiently provide access and assistance to

persons requesting to view or receive copies of public records. No provisions of this

policy shall be used to hinder access to available public records. Concerns about

this policy should be addressed to the Public Records Request Coordinator for the

Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) or to the Tennessee Office of

Open Records Counsel (“OORC”). This policy was developed in accordance with the

Model Public Records Policy established by the OORC. TSAC employees shall adhere

to this policy and to the policies and guidelines established by the OORC.

This policy shall be applied consistently throughout the various offices,

departments, and/or divisions of TSAC, shall be reviewed no less than every two

years, and may be revised by TSAC to remain in compliance with law or state policy.

This policy is available for inspection and duplication in the office of the THEC

General Counsel and is available online at: https://www.tn.gov/thec/topic/about-

thec-and-tsac.

I. Definitions:

A. Records Custodian: The office, official or employee lawfully responsible for the

direct custody and care of a public record. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-

503(a)(1)(C). The records custodian is not necessarily the original preparer or

receiver of the record.

https://www.tn.gov/thec/topic/about-thec-and-tsac

https://www.tn.gov/thec/topic/about-thec-and-tsac


B. Public Records: All documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs,

microfilms, electronic data processing files and output, films, sound

recordings, or other material, regardless of physical form or characteristics,

made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the

transaction of official business by any governmental agency. See Tenn.

Code Ann. § 10-7-503(a)(1)(A).

C. Public Records Request Coordinator: The individual, or individuals, designated

in Section III, A.3 of this policy with the responsibility of ensuring public

record requests are routed to the appropriate records custodian and are

fulfilled in accordance with the TPRA. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-503(a)(1)(B).

The Public Records Request Coordinator may also be a records custodian.

D. Requestor: A person seeking access to a public record, whether it is for

inspection or duplication.

II. Requesting Access to Public Records

A. Public record requests shall be made to the Public Records Request

Coordinator (”PRRC”) or designee in order to ensure public record requests

are routed to the appropriate records custodian and fulfilled in a timely

manner.

B. TSAC shall not require requests for inspection to be made in writing. The

PRRC may request a mailing or email address from the requestor for

providing any written communication required under the TPRA.

C. Requests for inspection may be made:

1. orally at 404 James Robertson Parkway, Suite 1900, Nashville, TN 37243,

2. by phone at 615-741-3605,

3. in writing using the Public Records Request form (Attachment A), or

4. by email at [email protected]

D. Requests for copies, or requests for inspection and copies, shall be made in

writing using the Public Records Request form, submitted:

1. in person at 404 James Robertson Parkway, Suite 1900, Nashville, TN

37243,

2. in writing using the Public Records Request form, or

3. by email at [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]



E. Proof of Tennessee citizenship by presentation of a valid Tennessee driver’s

license (or alternative acceptable form of ID) is required as a condition to

inspect or receive copies of public records.

F. Public notices, archived videos of TSAC meetings, meeting documents, and

other frequently requested records and publications are posted and readily

available online at www.tn.gov/thec/.

III. Responding to Public Records Requests

A. Public Record Request Coordinator

1. The PRRC shall review public record requests, consult with the

appropriate records custodian as needed, and make an initial

determination of the following:

a. If the requestor provided evidence of Tennessee citizenship;

b. If the records requested are described with sufficient specificity to

identify them; and

c. If TSAC is the custodian of the records.

2. The PRRC shall acknowledge receipt of the request and take any of the

following appropriate action(s):

a. Advise the requestor of this policy and the elections made regarding:

i. Proof of Tennessee citizenship;

ii. Form(s) required for copies;

iii. Fees (and labor threshold and waivers, if applicable); and

iv. Aggregation of multiple or frequent requests.

b. If appropriate, deny the request in writing, providing the appropriate

grounds such as one of the following:

http://www.tn.gov/thec/


i. The requestor is not, or has not presented evidence of being, a

Tennessee citizen.

ii. The request lacks specificity. The PRRC shall offer to assist in

clarification.

iii. An exemption makes the record not subject to disclosure under

the TPRA. The PRRC shall provide the exemption in written denial.

iv. TSAC is not the custodian of the requested records.

v. The records do not exist.

c. If appropriate, contact the requestor to see if the request can be

narrowed.

d. Immediately upon acknowledgement of receipt of request, forward

the records request to the records custodian.

e. If requested records are in the custody of a different governmental

entity, and the PRRC knows the correct governmental entity, advise the

requestor of the correct governmental entity and PRRC for that entity

if known.

3. The designated PRRC is:

a. Name or title: THEC Deputy General Counsel

b. Contact information: 404 James Robertson Parkway

Parkway Towers, Suite 1900

Nashville, TN 37243

615-741-3605

[email protected]

B. Records Custodian

1. Upon receiving a public records request, a records custodian shall

coordinate with the PRRC to promptly make requested public records

available in accordance with Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-503. If the records



custodian is uncertain that an applicable exemption applies, the

custodian shall consult with the PRRC, counsel, or the OORC.

2. If not practicable to promptly provide requested records because

additional time is necessary to determine whether the requested records

exist; to search for, retrieve, or otherwise gain access to records; to

determine whether the records are open; to redact records; or for other

similar reasons, then the PRRC, or records custodian as designee, shall,

within seven (7) business days from the receipt of the request, send the

requestor a completed Public Records Request Response form

(Attachment B).

3. If a public record request is denied, the PRRC, or records custodian as

designee, shall deny the request in writing as provided in Section III.A.2.b

using the Public Records Request Response form.

4. If a records custodian reasonably determines production of records

should be segmented because the records request is for a large volume

of records, or additional time is necessary to prepare the records for

access, the PRRC, or records custodian as designee, shall use the Public

Records Request Response form to notify the requestor that production

of the records will be in segments and that a records production schedule

will be provided as expeditiously as practicable. If appropriate, the PRRC,

or records custodian as designee, should contact the requestor to see if

the request can be narrowed.

5. If the PRRC or records custodian discovers records responsive to a

records request were omitted, the PRRC, or records custodian as

designee, will contact the requestor concerning the omission and produce

the records as quickly as practicable.

6. The records custodian shall provide the requested records to the PRRC

once compiled. The PRRC will coordinate delivery of the records to the

requestor. Any redaction or segmentation of records must be authorized

by the PRRC or General Counsel’s office. Throughout the process of

fulfilling any public records request, the records custodian shall fully

inform the PRRC of any issues or difficulty that may arise during the

process. All communication with the requestor regarding the request

shall be initiated by or with the explicit approval of the PRRC.


C. Redaction

1. If a record contains confidential information or information that is not

open for public inspection, the records custodian shall prepare a redacted

copy prior to providing access. If questions arise concerning redaction,

the records custodian shall coordinate with the PRRC, THEC General

Counsel, or other appropriate parties regarding review and redaction of

records. The records custodian and the PRRC may also consult with the

OORC or with the Office of Attorney General and Reporter.

2. Whenever a redacted record is provided, the PRRC, or records custodian

as designee, should provide the requestor with the basis for redaction.

The basis given for redaction shall be general in nature and not disclose

confidential information.

IV. Inspection of Records

A. There shall be no charge for inspection of open public records.

B. The location for inspection of records within the offices of TSAC should be

determined by either the PRRC or the records custodian.

C. Public records may be inspected during regular business hours. Under

reasonable circumstances, the PRRC or a records custodian may require an

appointment for inspection or may require inspection of records at an

alternate location.

V. Copies of Records

A. The PRRC or records custodian shall promptly respond to a public record

request for copies in the most economic and efficient manner practicable.

B. Copies will be available for pickup at a location specified by the PRRC or

records custodian.

C. Upon payment for postage, copies will be delivered to the requestor’s home

address by the United States Postal Service. Electronic delivery via email or

electronic storage device is also permitted as appropriate.


D. A requestor will not be allowed to make copies of original records with

personal equipment.

VI. Fees, Charges, and Procedures for Billing and Payment

A. TSAC employees shall not use fees and charges for copies of public records

to hinder citizen access to public records. The fees, charges, and procedures

for billing and payment established by this policy were developed in

accordance with the provisions of the Model Public Records Policy and

Schedule of Reasonable Charges established by the OORC and are therefore

presumed reasonable under the “safe harbor” provision of Tenn. Code Ann. §

8-4-604(a)(3).

B. The PRRC or records custodian shall provide requestors with an itemized

estimate of charges prior to producing copies of records and may require

pre-payment of such charges before producing requested records.

C. When fees for copies and labor do not exceed twenty dollars ($20.00), the

fees may be waived.

D. Fees and charges for copies are as follows:

1. $0.15 per page for letter- and legal-size black and white copies.

2. $0.50 per page for letter- and legal-size color copies.

3. Labor when time exceeds one (1) hour.

4. Exceptions to the standard fees and charges above may include, but are

not limited to, video, audio, electronic files, over-sized print formats, or

other non-standard media. These fees and charges will be determined on

a case-by-case basis dependent on the cost to duplicate, redact, and

otherwise produce the requested records. These fees and charges shall

be provided to the requestor in the itemized estimate.

5. If an outside vendor is used to duplicate records, the actual costs

assessed by the vendor will be added to any other applicable charges

incurred by TSAC.


E. Payment is to be made by personal check or money order, payable to the

Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation, presented to the records

custodian or the PRRC.

F. Payment in advance will be required.

G. Aggregation of Frequent and Multiple Requests

1. TSAC will aggregate record requests in accordance with the Frequent and

Multiple Request Policy promulgated by the OORC when more than (4)

requests are received by TSAC within a calendar month (either from a

single individual or a group of individuals deemed working in concert).

2. If aggregating:

a. The level at which records requests will be aggregated is the agency-

level, encompassing all divisions of TSAC.

b. The PRRC is responsible for making the determination that a group of

individuals are working in concert. The PRRC or the records custodian

must inform the individuals that they have been deemed to be

working in concert and that they have the right to appeal the decision

to the OORC.

c. Routinely released and readily accessible records excluded from

aggregation include, but are not limited to any record regularly

maintained by TSAC in electronic format, not requiring redaction or

other modification, delivered to the requestor via electronic means.

ATTACHMENT A

The Tennessee Public Records Act (TPRA) grants Tennessee citizens the right to access open public records that exist

at the time of the request. The TPRA does not require records custodians to compile information or create or

recreate records that do not exist.

To: Public Records Request Coordinator (PRRC)


404 James Robertson Parkway, Suite 1900

Nashville, TN 37243

615-741-3605

[email protected]

From: Requestor’s Name & Contact Information: (include address for any required written response)

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

Is the requestor a Tennessee citizen? Yes No

Request: Inspection (The TPRA does not permit fees or require a written request for inspection only.)

Copy/Duplicate

If costs for copies are assessed, the requestor has a right to receive an estimate. Do you wish

to waive your right to an estimate and agree to pay copying and duplication costs in an

amount not to exceed $____________? If so, initial here: _________.

Delivery preference: On-Site Pick-Up USPS First-Class Mail

Electronic Other: _______________________

Records Requested:

Provide a detailed description of the record(s) requested, including: (1) type of record; (2) timeframe or dates

for the records sought; and (3) subject matter or key words related to the records. Under the TPRA, record

requests must be sufficiently detailed to enable a governmental entity to identify the specific records sought.

As such, your record request must provide enough detail to enable the records custodian responding to the

request to identify the specific records you are seeking.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________

Signature of Requestor & Date Submitted Signature of PRRC & Date Received


ATTACHMENT A

[Date]

[Requestor’s Name and Contact Information]:

In response to your records request received on [Date Request Received], our office is taking the action(s)1

indicated below:

The public record(s) responsive to your request will be made available for inspection:

Location: ________________________________________________________________

Date & Time: ____________________________________________________________

Copies of public record(s) responsive to your request are:

Attached;

Available for pickup at the following location: ___________________________________________________; or

Being delivered via: USPS First-Class Mail Electronically Other: _________________________.

Your request is denied on the following grounds:

Your request was not sufficiently detailed to enable identification of the specific requested

record(s). You need to provide additional information to identify the requested record(s).

No such record(s) exists or this office does not maintain record(s) responsive to your request.

No proof of Tennessee citizenship was presented with your request. Your request will be

reconsidered upon presentation of an adequate form of identification.

You are not a Tennessee citizen.

You have not paid the estimated copying/production fees.

The following state, federal, or other applicable law prohibits disclosure of the requested records:

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________.

It is not practicable for the records you requested to be made promptly available for inspection and/or

copying because:

It has not yet been determined that records responsive to your request exist; or

The office is still in the process of retrieving, reviewing, and/or redacting the requested records.

The time reasonably necessary to produce the record(s) or information and/or to make a determination

of a proper response to your request is: ___________________________________________________________________.

If you have any additional questions regarding your record request, please contact [Records Custodian or

Public Records Request Coordinator].

Sincerely,

[Records Custodian or Public Record Request Coordinator]

[Name, Title, and Contact Information]

1 If all requested records do not have the same response, so indicate.



Discussion Item A: Tennessee Promise Scholarship Update

Staff Recommendation: For discussion only.

Background: The Tennessee Promise Scholarship was enacted in 2014

under Public Chapter 900. The Promise Scholarship is both

a scholarship and mentoring program focused on

increasing the number of students that attend college in

Tennessee. It provides a last-dollar scholarship, which pays

for tuition and fees not already covered by the Pell grant,

HOPE scholarship, or TSAA. Students may use the

scholarship at any of the state’s 13 community colleges, 27

colleges of applied technology, or eligible four-year

institutions that offer associate degrees.

To be eligible for the award, students are paired with a

mentor, must participate in program meetings, complete

eight hours of community service per term enrolled, enroll

full-time in an eligible institution, and maintain a 2.0 GPA.

TSAC works with three partnering organizations –

TnAchieves, REDI, and the Ayers Foundation – to administer

the Promise Scholarship program.

An update of the latest Promise enrollment and financial

figures will be provided.



Discussion Item B: Tennessee Reconnect Grant Program


Background: The Tennessee Reconnect Grant program offers last-dollar

scholarships for adult students in Tennessee to earn an

associate degree. The scholarship pays for tuition and fees

not already covered by the Pell grant, HOPE scholarship, or

TSAA. Students may use the scholarship at any of the

state’s 13 community colleges or at eligible four-year

institutions that offer associate degrees.

To be eligible for the award, students must be classified as

independent on the FAFSA, enroll at least part-time,

maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average, and

participate in a college success program through the

Tennessee reconnect community initiative.

An update of the Tennessee Reconnect Grant program will

be provided.



Discussion Item C: Student and School Services Update

Staff Recommendation For discussion only.

Background A few of the key services offered by the Student

and School Services division are updated below.

School Services

At this time the most vital service the division offers institutions is variety of financial aid

assessments. These include analyzing current methods of meeting federal and state aid

awarding methodologies, disbursing funds, monitoring and reporting requirements,

providing best practices in the processing of student aid, staff training, and identifying

areas to be improved through efficiency and technology. Staff also provide a variety of

default prevention services, cohort default rate processing, custom reporting, draft default

rate challenges, and skip tracing and early intervention to prevent defaults to Tennessee

schools. The School Services group currently has contracts with a variety of Tennessee

institutions.

License Review

The LR program remains one of the great success stories for this division, as we have

assisted thousands of defaulted borrowers in getting their loans back into a reasonable

payment plan and bringing them out of default. The LR program matches defaulted

student loan borrowers with those who hold an active Tennessee professional license.

Tennessee Reconnect

This special project ends at the end of June 2017. The division has partnered with 26

schools, at no cost the schools, to assist them in reaching out to students who are not

eligible for Reconnect because of default loans. With these defaults resolved, students

return to school to complete their program of studies. Beginning in July 2017, these

services will be made available under the School Services contracts.

Financial Literacy

The Student and School Services staff is dedicated to providing financial literacy education

to students throughout Tennessee. Workshops are offered at main and outlying campuses

with day and evening presentations. Subjects cover areas such as borrowing wisely,

budgeting, credit cards, student loan repayment options, savings, and life after college.

Scholarships to Loans

Staff continue to work with the grants and scholarship division performing collection

activities if the required service component of a state loan/scholarship program has not

been met. Staff reach out to these borrowers on a designated basis to assist them in

bringing their loans back into compliance. These borrowers are also now matched through

the LR process.

TN Achieves

The Student and School Services staff is again participating in the Tennessee Achieves

Bridge Program, by presenting at functions across the state on topics ranging from time

management, class participation, managing loans, and how to be successful in college.

Several of the staff are also active mentors in the TN Promise program.



Discussion Item D: Communication Services Update


Background: An update will be provided discussing

activities taking place within the

Communication Services Division.

Supporting Document: Communication Services Update: May 2017

Outreach presentations are tailored to the needs of the organization where presentations

are requested. We offer to assist with the following types of events as well:

2016-

2017*

2015-

2016

2014-

2015

2013-

2014

2012-

2013

2011-

2012

2010-

2011

College Fairs

# of college fairs: 197 226 227 258 257 234 203

Attendance: 19,585 21,124 44,860 30,632 24,848 36,082 26,499

Courtesy Visits to

Administrators

# of courtesy visits: 1,290 1,987 2,163 2,135 2,351 2,052 1,981

Administrators reached: 3,008 3,544 3,330 2,939 3,356 3,035 2,841

Financial Aid Presentations

# of presentations: 907 1,055 964 929 955 484 497

Attendance: 46,819 52,647 53,874 43,227 45,949 35,065 38,309

FAFSA Frenzy Events

# of presentations: 516 335 257 250 246 113 76

Attendance: 10,936 7,114 6,787 5,120 4,737 2,348 2,020

TN Promise App. Workshops

# of workshops: 57 91 27 n/a n/a n/a n/a

Attendance: 4,552 4,149 1,510 n/a n/a n/a n/a

Number of Visits

High Schools: 2,216 2,257 2,120 1,838 1,755 1,318 1,163

Middle Schools: 165 552 580 759 728 561 465

Postsecondary: 269 356 335 454 387 339 390

Other: 317 529 603 621 939 665 739

2. Snapshot of Outreach Statistics

1. TSAC Outreach Presentations Offered

* College Fairs

* FAFSA Frenzy Events

* Financial Aid Nights

* TN Promise App. Workshops

* Financial Aid Webinars

* Career Fairs

* Personal Finance Classes

* Scholarship Award Presentations

* YMCA College Nights

* Junior/Underclassmen Presentations

* Leadership Summit

* ACT & SAT Workshops

* Preparing For College

* Middle School Presentation

* Focusing on Seniors

* Dual Enrollment Grant Events

3. TSAC Call Center Stats

2017* 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011

Telephone calls

received: 10,400 43,259 42,763 60,856 36,941 31,391 44,800

Live Chat

conversations:

704 2,203 3,255 4,788 3,653 2,624 3,269

Info Aid Emails: 899 2,474 2,916 3,331 2,046 1,309 n/a *partial calendar year

We receive calls, emails and questions through Live Chat about the HOPE scholarship

programs, TN Promise, application deadlines, FAFSA completion, transfer school

procedures, student portal log-in resets, TSAA awards, and brochure orders – just to name

a few.

4. TN FAFSA Frenzy Update

5. Dual Enrollment Grant Events

6. ECMC Nights: 30 Events at Advise TN

Schools

7. Re-design of the TSAC Financial Aid

Brochure

2016-

2017*

2015-

2016

2014-

2015

2013-

2014

2012-

2013

2011-

2012

2010-

2011

Adult Learner 62 57 52 97 n/a n/a n/a

Boys and Girls Clubs 14 14 20 28 53 24 18

Chambers of Commerce 32 61 65 32 56 64 73

Churches 23 16 18 30 30 31 10

Colleges 269 356 335 454 387 339 390

High Schools 2,216 2,257 2,120 1,838 1,755 1,318 1,163

Libraries 69 127 213 183 272 299 237

Middle Schools 165 552 580 759 728 561 465

School District Offices 12 29 36 33 30 31 156

Legislative 26 17 7 15 27 17 83

YMCA 1 10 18 22 33 17 26

Webinars 5 3 2 n/a n/a n/a n/a

Other 73 182 156 181 438 192 136

*Partial academic year totals.

Breakdown of Outreach Activity



DISCUSSION ITEM E: Operating Fund Update


Background: In 2010, staff discovered a series of prior accounting

transactions totaling more than $14 million which had been

deposited into the FFELP Federal Fund instead of FFELP

Operating Fund. TSAC contacted the U.S. Department of

Education and requested authority to transfer the funds

back to the Operating Fund. Through numerous

communications over a seven year period, TSAC was

granted permission to move all but $3.6 million. In March

2017, authority was finally given to move the remaining

$3.6 million to the Operating Fund. All funds deposited into

the Operating Fund are property of the guaranty agency.

Following this transfer, the balance in the Operating Fund

at March 31, 2017, was approximately $24.5 million.

Federal code allows for various uses of the funds, including

default aversion activities, school training, financial aid

awareness and related outreach activities, compliance

monitoring; and other student financial aid-related

activities as selected by the guaranty agency.

A portion of the current balance will be required for final

wind-down expenses related to the FFELP portfolio and

ongoing default aversion activities. Other specific uses of

the funds are yet to be determined but will include support

for financial aid programs.

Staff will present options for discussion at the May board

meeting.



Discussion Item F 2017 Budget and Legislative Report


Background: TSAA: The Governor’s 2017-2018 recommended budget

included an increase of $10 million for the Tennessee

Student Assistance Award (TSAA). If passed by the General

Assembly, this will bring the total combined appropriation

for TSAA to $97.7 million. This amount will serve more than

54,000 need-based students.

Ned McWherter: Also recommended in the 2017-2018

budget is an appropriation of $300,000 for the Ned

McWherter Academic Scholars program. This increase

represents an additional 100 students, bringing the total

number of students served to approximately 375.

______________

Legislation: Sixteen bills related to TSAC programs were

filed during the first session of the 110th General Assembly.

At the time of printing this board material, final passage of

four of these bills was still to be determined. Summaries of

four bills which were in the final phases of passage are

provided on the following page.

2017 Legislative and Budget Report

The first session of the 110th General Assembly considered 16 bills related to TSAC’s

financial aid programs. Brief summaries of the bills anticipated to pass in both the House

of Representatives and Senate are provided below.

SB 34 (Harris)

HB 329 (Cooper)

Decreases the amount of time that teachers are required to teach

math or science in a public school from two years to one year for

each year the Tennessee HOPE teacher’s scholarship is received.

SB 585 (Gresham)

HB 335 (Kumar)

Provides that a student enrolling in the Dual Enrollment

program need only submit one application per academic

year, rather than one application per semester.

SB 720 (Yager)

HB 980 (Travis)

Creates the Tennessee Middle College Scholarship program,

funded by net lottery proceeds. Students entering their

junior year of high school may enroll in a participating

community college and earn both a high school diploma and

an associate degree in two years. The award amount is

$1,200 per year for two years. Awards begin in the fall

semester of 2018.

SB 1218 (Norris)

HB 531 (Hawk)

Creates the Tennessee Reconnect Grant program. Awards

are last-dollar scholarships for tuition and fees and will

begin in the fall semester of 2018. The Reconnect will allow

Tennessee adult residents with an independent status on

the FAFSA the opportunity to return to college and complete

an associate degree.

tennessee student assistance corporation · 2019-08-07 · chairman smith thanked the staff for the...

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